Golf cart construction

ABSTRACT

A golf cart having a tubular rectangular frame, with the side members of the frame supporting a structure defining compartments for receiving golf irons. The side members also support various accessory bags. An adjustable handle is pivotally attached at the top of the frame. Another structure which receives the head of golf woods is supported by the frame, so that the shafts of the woods extend upwardly toward the top of the frame. Attached at the top of the frame are a pair of spring-loaded retaining members each of which are capable of resiliently gripping two of the shafts, but which also provide positive gripping when only one shaft is in place. A pair of wheel carrying struts are pivotally attached at the bottom of the frame, so that the wheels may be swung toward the frame when it is desired to collapse the cart. A suspension member is attached between the frame and each strut. Each suspension member includes springs for absorbing the shock of the wheels, and for resiliently locking the strut in uncollapsed and collapsed positions.

United States Patent [72] Inventor AnthonyT.Zagwyn Delavan, Wis. [21] Appl. No. 780,418 [22] Filed Dec. 2, 1968 [45] Patented Jan. 19, 1971 [73] Assignee Ajay Enterprises Corporation Delavan, Wis. a corporation of Wisconsin [54] GOLF CART CONSTRUCTION 7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

3,265,106 8/1966 Jarman 3,343,848 9/1967 Dorschner ABSTRACT: A golf cart having a tubular rectangular frame, with the side members of the frame supporting a structure defining compartments for receiving golf irons. The side members also support various accessory bags. An adjustable handle is pivotally attached at the top of the frame. Another structure which receives the heads of golf woods is supported by the frame, so that the shafts of the woods extend upwardly toward the top of the frame. Attached at the top of the frame are a pair of spring-loaded retaining members each of which are capable of resiliently gripping two of the shafts, but which also provide positive gripping when only one shaft is in place. A pair of wheel carrying struts are pivotally attached at the bottom of the frame, so that the wheels may be swung toward the frame when it is desired to collapse the cart. A suspension member is attached between the frame and each strut. Each suspension member includes springs for absorbing the shock of the wheels, and for resiliently locking the strut in uncollapsed and collapsed positions.

PATENTED JAN 1 9 |97| SHEET 3 0F 5 Hme PATENIEU JAN 1 9 IBYI 3556; 5547 saw u 0F 5 PNENYEU JAN 1 9 WI SHEET 5 [IF 5 GOLF CART CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND SUMMARY DRAWINGS This invention relates to a golf cart and, in particular, to a collapsible golf cart having a lightweight construction with a novel spring wheel suspension and a novel golf club carrying structure.

There have been in the past numerous designs for golf carts of the type having provision for carrying golf clubs and accessories rather than a golf bag. Inasmuch as such carts are usually transported to the golf course by automobile, it is necessary that they be lightweight and compact. In order to achieve the required compactness, many such prior golf carts have been designed to be collapsible. None of these prior designs, however, has resulted in a golf cart which can accommodate a maximum number of golf clubs and golf accessories, with positive holding of and easy access to the golf clubs, and yet meet the required degree of low weight and compactness: In addition, many such prior golf carts have failed to provide for spring suspension for the wheels and for positive locking of the collapsible structure in collapsed and uncollapsed configurations. Finally, those carts which have come most near to satisfying the foregoing requirements have been characterized either by an extremely high cost, or have not been sufficiently rugged to withstand prolonged use.

Accordingly, in order to achieve a design for a golf cart'possessing the foregoing and other beneficial characteristics, the present invention contemplates a main open framework for the golf cart body, preferably formed of lightweight tubular metal. Supported by the framework, in addition to a lightweight structure defining compartments for receiving golf clubs, are one or more lightweight accessory pouches. Also supported by the frame is a second structure defining compartments for receiving golf club heads, particularly the heads of wood clubs. Attached near the top of the frame, in alignment with these club head compartments, are novel resilient means for retaining the shafts of those clubs. An adjustable steering and propelling handle is also pivotally attached near the top of the frame.

A novel collapsible wheel support structure is also provided in accordance with the present invention. This novel structure preferably takes the form of a pair of lightweight wheel struts which are pivotally attached with respect to the bottom of the cart frame so that the free, wheel-carrying ends of the struts may be swung toward or away from the plane of the frame. Attached between the frame and the struts are novel cam and lever arrangements which provide for spring suspension of the wheels and, at the same time, for resilient locking of the wheel struts in both the collapsed and uncollapsed configurations. A further feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the steering handle, when pivoted downwardly toward the bottom of the frame, cooperates with the bottom of the frame to provide positive ground support for the cart when the wheel struts are collapsed.

The foregoing beneficial characteristics are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, at relatively low cost, and result in a collapsible golf cart which is extremely compact and very low in weight. In addition, a cart constructed in accordance with the present invention is particularly strong and rugged and provides excellent service under any conditions of environment, terrain, usage and transport.

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more fully understood by considering the remainder of the specification and the claims, with illustrative reference to the drawing, in which:

FIG. I is a side elevational view of a golf cart constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation thereof, taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the golf cart of FIG. 1, shown in collapsed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of the golf carts frame and wheel suspension structure, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 2, showing the pivotal attachment of the frame and suspension structure;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6, with the cart in collapsed configuration;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8, with the cart in collapsed configuration; and

FIG. 11 is a plan view, partly broken away, taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT With reference to the drawing, FIG. I illustrates a collapsible golf cart constructed in accordance with the present invention. The golf cart comprises a main frame structure 20, preferably fabricated from lightweight metal, such as aluminum tubing. As best seen in FIG. 2, the frame 20 includes a pair of side members 22, joined by a top member 24 and a bottom member 26. As viewed in projection in FIG. 2, the shape of the frame 20 is generally rectangular. As can be seen in FIG. 1, however, the upper portion of the frame 20 lies in a plane which is angled with respect to the plane containing the remainder of the frame. This feature provides better balance for the golf cart structure as a whole, and permits more space for the emplacement of golf club retaining structure and accessory pouches or bags.

The golf cart also includes a pair of wheels 28 attached to a pair of wheel struts 30. The wheel struts 30 are pivotally attached near the bottom of the frame 20, so that they may be swung toward or away from the plane of the lower portion of the frame. Attached between the frame 20 and each wheel strut 30 is a wheel suspension or support structure generally indicated by the numeral 32. As will be described in greater detail below, the suspension structure 32 acts as a shock absorber for the wheel 28 and, in addition, provides resilient locking of the wheel strut 30 in its collapsed and uncollapsed configurations.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, a zippered accessory pouch 34 is supported by the frame 20 between the side members 22. The pouch 34, which is preferably formed of plastic, heavy fabric or other suitable lightweight material, is attached to the frame 20 by means of straps 36 and snaps 38. Suspended between the side members 22 near the upper portion of the frame 20 is another accessory pouch or bag 40. The bag 40 is fixed to the top frame member 24 by means of screws 42 (FIG. 11), and to the side frame members 22 by means of a rod 44.

Also attached to the frame 20, and positioned between the pouch 34 and bag 40 is a golf club carrying structure 46. The structure 46 may be formed, like the pouches 34 and 40, of flexible material or, if desired, may be formed of any suitably lightweight rigid material. As best depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, the golf club carrying structure 46, like the bag 40, is suspended or supported between the side frame members 22 by rods 44. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the golf club carrying structure 46 is relatively deep, extending along a good portion of the length of the frame 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the structure 46 is divided into a plurality of compartments by dividers 48 which may be formed of the same material as the structure 46. Each of the compartments formed by the dividers 48 is large enough to receive an iron golf club. As can be seen, there are sufficient compartments to accommodate a full set of irons numbered 2 through 9, a putter and a wedge or other special club. The relatively narrow rectangular shape of the compartments formed by the dividers 48 corresponds generally to the shape of a typical iron golf club head, and the irons are consequently held quite snugly within the structure 46, with the ends of the shafts protruding through the upper portion of the frame 20, between the side members 22.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the golf cart includes a second golf club carrying structure 50 supported by the frame 20. The club carrying structure 50 is suspended by rods 44 between relatively rigid side members 52 which are attached to the frame 20 by screws 54 and extend outwardly therefrom. As can be seen, the club carrying structure 50 is generally cupshaped and is much shallower than the structure 46 which accommodates the iron clubs. The interior of the structure 50 is divided by dividers 56 into a plurality of compartments of appropriate size and shape for receiving the heads of wood golf clubs. Thus, the heads of the woods rest within the compartments in the structure 50, and the shafts of the woods extend upwardly therefrom toward the top frame member 24.

Attached to the top frame member 24 are retaining structures 58 for resiliently holding the shafts of the wood clubs firmly in place with respect to the top member. As will be described in greater detail below, the retaining members 58 permit ready withdrawal of the wood clubs from the club carrying structure 50. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a pivotal propelling and steering handle 60 is also attached to the top frame member 24 by means of a'toothed joint 62 having a tightening knob 64. when the knob 64 is loosened, the joint 62 permits the handle 60 to be adjusted to any desired angular attitude with respect to the upper member 24.

FIG. 8 illustrates the golf cart in its collapsed configuration. As shown therein, the wheel struts 30 are swung upwardly toward the plane of the lower portion of the frame 20, and are locked in that position by the suspension structure 32. The handle 60 is swung down toward the lower portion of the frame 20 so that the bottom of the frame and the handle provide a positive ground support for the cart in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. illustrates the clearance between the frame and the suspension structure 32 and wheel strut 30. It will be noted that the strut includes an angled portion 30a which curves to lie adjacent the bottom frame member 26. As best seen in FIG. 2, each of the strut portions 30a is pivotally joined to the bottom frame member 26 by means of a pivot plate 66. For additional strength, the strut portions 30a are joined by an intermediate member 30b. However, the struts 30 are preferably free to pivot independently of one another.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the interrelationship between the strut 30, the pivot plate 66 and the frame 20 when the cart is in its uncollapsed and collapsed configurations, respectively. The pivot plate 66, which has a U-shaped cross section, is attached to the lower member 26 of the frame 20 by means of bolts 68. Extending through the portion 30a of the strut 30 is a pin 70 which serves to limit the pivotal movement of the strut with respect to the frame 20. Suitable limiting slots or apertures 72 are provided in the pivot plate 66 to limit the rotational movement of the pin 70.

Turning now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 30, there is illustrated in more detail the suspension structure 32 which, in FIG. 8, is shown with the strut 30 in uncollapsed position. The suspension structure 32 includes a cam member 74 which is pivotally attached at one end to the strut 30 by means of a rivet 76. The cam member 7 6 includes at its other end first and second locking bearing surfaces 78 and 80 which are respectively joined by an arcuate cam surface 82. (In actuality, due to the fact that the cam member 74 has a generally U-shaped cross section, there are two of each of the surfaces 78, 80 and 82; however, since each member of each pair of corresponding surfaces is congruent and parallel with the other member, they act essentially as a single surface.) The suspension structure 32 also includes a lever member generally indicated by the numeral 84. The lever member 84 comprises a tubular member 86 having a foot pedal 88 attached at one end. A bolt or rod 90, which passes through the tubular member 86 and the foot pedal 88, pivotally secures the lever member 84 to the frame 20. A second tubular member 92 fits over and telescopically accommodates the first tubular member 86. A rivet 94 passes through the free end of the tubular member 92 and creates a pivotal attachment between the member 92 and the cam member 74. Coiled about the exterior 'of the tubular members 86 and 92 is a compression spring 96 which bears at one end against an annular projection 98 on the foot pedal 88 and at the other end against an annular stop member 100. The stop member 100 functions as a cam follower, and serves to provide a bearing surface for coaction with the locking surfaces 78 and and the cam surface 82 on the cam member 74. Disposed within the tubular members 86 and 92, coextensively therewith, is a tension spring 102 which is loosely attached at one end to the rivet 94 and at the other end to the rod 90.

As indicated previously, FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of the suspension structure 32 when the strut 30 is in its uncollapsed position. It will be noted that, in this configuration, the compression spring 96 is under some compression loading while the tension spring 102 is under tension loading. Thus, the spring 102 constantly urges the locking surface 78 on the cam member 74 against the cam follower or stop member 100. Because of the essentially coplanar contact between the surface 78 and the cam follower I00, the suspension structure 32 resiliently locks the strut 60 in its uncollapsed or extended position. It will be noted that, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the compression spring 96 serves as a shock absorber for the cart, and cushions the ride. Thus, when a wheel 28 strikes an object, causing a force tending to move the strut 30 toward the frame 20, the interaction of the surface 78 and the cam follower with the spring 96 tends to resistthe force and dampen its effect. 1.

As can be seen from reference to FIG. 8, a pressure on the foot pedal 88 toward the bottom of the cart will cause relative rotation between the cam member 74 and the lever member 84. Thus, the cam surface 82 will come into contact with the cam follower I00, causing the compression spring 96 to assume a heavier compression load, and relieve the tension on the spring 102. When the cam member 74 and the lever member 84 have rotated sufficiently relative to one another, the suspension structure 32 will assume the configuration shown in FIG. 10. Note that, as shown therein, when the strut 30 has reached the inner limit of its pivotal movement toward the frame 20, the cam follower 100 will be in coplanar contact with the second locking surface 80. In this configuration, the spring 102 is unloaded, while the spring 96 is loaded and continually urges the cam follower 100 against the locking surface 80, thus resiliently locking the strut 30 in its collapsed position. It will be understood that the points of intersection of the cam surface 82 with the locking surfaces 78 and 80 act essentially as lever fulcrums against the cam follower 100 causing a rapid positive locking or unlocking movement of the suspension structure 32. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cam member 74 includes another rivet 104 which bears against the strut 30 and serves as a stop for pivotal movement of the cam member 74 when the strut is in its uncollapsed position.

Turning now to FIG. 11, there is shown in more detail the retaining structure 58 which serves to retain the shafts of wood golf clubs protruding from the club head retaining structure 50. As shown therein, the retaining structure 58 includes a pair of spaced, essentially parallel cylindrical guides 106 which are attached to the top frame member 24 by means of screws I08. Fixed transversely across the other ends of the guides 106 is a stop member 110 having a pair of arcuate depressions 112 to receive the golf club shafts. Mounted for sliding travel on the guides 106 is a retainer member 114'. A pair of compression springs 1 16 which encircle the guides I06 serve to urge the retainer member 114 toward the stop member 110. The retainer member 114 has a pair of annular bosses 118 which encirclethe guides 106 and serve to limit travel of the retainer I14 toward the stop member I10.

As can be seen, the retainer 114 serves to resiliently hold golf club shafts against the stop member 110 within the depressions H2. As is apparent from the alternate position of the retainer 114 as shown by broken lines, the retaining structure 58 can accommodate shafts of different sizes. Moreover, even when only one shaft is in place, the retainer 114 holds it snugly against the stop member 110 due to the balancing effect of the two compression springs 116. A lateral force against a club shaft 120 is sufficient to remove it from the retaining structure 58, as is a force rearwardly toward the frame member 24.

Although an embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention has been described with the requisite particularity, the disclosure is of course only exemplary. Consequently, numerous changes in details of construction, in size, configuration and arrangement of components and materials, and in modes of application will be apparent to those familiar with the art and may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

1. A golf cart including a frame and a collapsible wheel support structure, said support structure comprising a strut member, a wheel at one end of said strut member, and folding resilient suspension means; said strut member being pivotally attached at its unwheeled end near the bottom of said frame to permit said member to swing about said point of attachment in a plane essentially normal to the plane of said frame; said suspension means being attached at one end to said strut intermediate said wheel and said point of attachment and at the other end to said frame above said point of attachment said suspension means being adapted to resiliently hold said strut away from said frame in an uncollapsed position and, upon folding of said suspension means, to swing said strut toward said frame and thereafter resiliently hold said strut and said frame in a collapsed position.

2. A golf cart in accordance withclaim 1 including a handle pivotally attached to the top of said frame, said handle being of sufficient length that when said wheel support is collapsed and said handle is pivoted downwardly toward the bottom of said frame, said handle and said frame provide positive ground support for said cart.

3. A golf cart in accordance with claim 1 including means defining golf club head receiving compartments supported by said frame, and means at the top of said frame for resiliently retaining the shafts of golf clubs whose heads are in said head receiving compartments.

4. A golf cart in accordance with claim 3 wherein said resilient means comprises a pair of spaced guides attached to said frame and projecting therefrom essentially parallel to one another; a stop member attached transversely across the outer ends of said guides; a retainer member positioned between said stop member and said frame and adapted for movement on said guides; and a pair of spaced springs for urging said retainer member toward said stop member to resiliently hold said golf club shafts between said retainer member and said stop member.

5. A golf cart in accordance with claim I wherein said suspension means comprises a cam member having first and second locking bearing surfaces joined by a cam surface, said cam member being pivotally attached near one end to said strut; a lever member pivotally attached near one end to the other end of said cam member and also pivotally attached to said frame; a cam follower associated with said lever; and resilient means for urging said cam follower against said cam member.

6. A golf cart in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient means includes a spring adapted to urge said cam follower against said first locking bearing surface when said strut is in its uncollapsed position. 

1. A golf cart including a frame and a collapsible wheel support structure, said support structure comprising a strut member, a wheel at one end of said strut member, and folding resilient suspension means; said strut member being pivotally attached at its unwheeled end near the bottom of said frame to permit said member to swing about said point of attachment in a plane essentially normal to the plane of said frame; said suspension means being attached at one end to said strut intermediate said wheel and said point of attachment and at the other end to said frame above said point of attachment said suspension means being adapted to resiliently hold said strut away from said frame in An uncollapsed position and, upon folding of said suspension means, to swing said strut toward said frame and thereafter resiliently hold said strut and said frame in a collapsed position.
 2. A golf cart in accordance with claim 1 including a handle pivotally attached to the top of said frame, said handle being of sufficient length that when said wheel support is collapsed and said handle is pivoted downwardly toward the bottom of said frame, said handle and said frame provide positive ground support for said cart.
 3. A golf cart in accordance with claim 1 including means defining golf club head receiving compartments supported by said frame, and means at the top of said frame for resiliently retaining the shafts of golf clubs whose heads are in said head receiving compartments.
 4. A golf cart in accordance with claim 3 wherein said resilient means comprises a pair of spaced guides attached to said frame and projecting therefrom essentially parallel to one another; a stop member attached transversely across the outer ends of said guides; a retainer member positioned between said stop member and said frame and adapted for movement on said guides; and a pair of spaced springs for urging said retainer member toward said stop member to resiliently hold said golf club shafts between said retainer member and said stop member.
 5. A golf cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said suspension means comprises a cam member having first and second locking bearing surfaces joined by a cam surface, said cam member being pivotally attached near one end to said strut; a lever member pivotally attached near one end to the other end of said cam member and also pivotally attached to said frame; a cam follower associated with said lever; and resilient means for urging said cam follower against said cam member.
 6. A golf cart in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient means includes a spring adapted to urge said cam follower against said first locking bearing surface when said strut is in its uncollapsed position.
 7. A golf cart in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient means includes a spring adapted to urge said cam follower against said second locking bearing surface when said strut is in its collapsed position. 